Purpose

To provide an update on progress made in the preparation of the Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) and to seek approval to begin an initial round of informal public engagement on the SDS.

At the time of writing this report, the Government has not yet published formal guidance on the preparation of SDSs. However, the requirement to produce an SDS remains, and it is important that preparatory work continues so that the strategy can be developed and adopted within the required timescales once the guidance is issued.

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Decision

Cllr Julian Tooke provided an update on progress in preparing the Spatial Development Strategy and sought approval to begin an initial informal round of public engagement.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve commencement of the initial informal round of public engagement on the Spatial Development Strategy.

b) Delegate authority to the Director of Economy and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure, to agree the communication and engagement materials prior to publication.

c) Note the indicative production timetable set out in Table 1 at the end of the report.